Pre-wired battery box for rapid installaionand connection of batteries

ABSTRACT

A box mounted on a vehicle or stationary frame for holding an automotive type battery. Said battery is kept in contact with internal terminals which are located in the box. The box is internally tapered to match an external taper on the battery, and has guide rails to facilitate insertion of the battery. A means to assist in the removal of the battery is provided, as is a spring loaded battery carrying strap. A plurality of the boxes may be electrically connected in parallel or series.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a permanently mounted box or boxes constructed of a nonconductive, non-corrosive material, such as plastic or fiberglass, having tapered internal surfaces, with built-in terminal connectors, into which a battery or batteries used for engines are placed. Said battery or batteries having tapered exterior surfaces and terminals are inserted into the box or boxes, and affixed to the interior of the box, assuring a positive electrical contact. Said boxes may be electrically connected in series or parallel by numerous means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] While numerous prior inventions have taught enclosures for batteries, such as Larkin et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,236,792 and Hausman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,466, none of these contemplate a combination which teach a pre-wired capsule, providing means for easy installation and removal of a battery, providing rapid electrical connection with an external electrical system. Larkin et al. is directed towards a means of a carrying a battery, whereas Hausmann et al shows a mounting and support arrangement.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a permanently mounted battery box or boxes such that engine batteries can be rapidly and easily installed and removed. It is a further object of the invention to accomplish this installation and removal with a minimal amount of mechanical ability and the reduction of possible error. Another object is to eliminate the need for tools.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] These and other features of the present invention will be more clearly understood from a consideration of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0005]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention showing a battery being inserted into a battery box from the top, with the box mounted to a frame.

[0006]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the invention showing pins for charging the battery.

[0007]FIG. 2 is a schematic showing the battery boxes in series, attached to each other by connecting terminals, showing cables emanating from the end boxes.

[0008]FIG. 2A is a detail of the interface between the batteries on FIG. 2.

[0009]FIG. 2B is a schematic of a plurality of battery boxes wire in series.

[0010]FIG. 3 is a schematic showing the battery boxes in parallel attached to each other by connecting terminals and showing cables emanating from the end boxes.

[0011]FIG. 3A is a detail of the interface between the batteries on FIG. 3.

[0012]FIG. 3B is a schematic of a plurality of battery boxes wired on parallel

[0013]FIG. 4 is a schematic showing the battery boxes connected by cables.

[0014]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the invention showing the battery box for insertion in the front, rear vertical terminals, and swivel handle.

[0015]FIG. 6 is the perspective view of the invention showing a spring loaded arrangement means to facilitate removal of the battery.

[0016]FIG. 7 is a cross-section of FIG. 6 showing the spring mechanism.

[0017]FIG. 7A is a detail of FIG. 7 showing the spring mechanism.

[0018]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the invention showing the battery boxes' top entry with terminals on bottom.

[0019]FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing springs on the bottom terminal base of the battery box.

[0020]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the invention showing the connection to a junction box.

[0021]FIG. 9A is a perspective view showing the wiring from a junction box to a terminal port.

[0022]FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing of an automotive electrical system showing the battery.

[0023]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an electrical junction box.

[0024]FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a detail of the wiring coming from a junction box, showing the positive battery cable.

[0025]FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a detail of the wiring coming from a junction box, showing the negative battery cable

[0026]FIG. 12A is a detailed view of an extraction lever as a cross section in FIG. 6, closed position.

[0027]FIG. 12B is a detailed view of an extraction lever as a cross section in FIG. 6, open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Referring to the drawings of the invention, as seen in FIG. 1, which shows all the elements of the invention for a single box, 1, with a battery, 2, being inserted, and the box mounted on a frame, 200.

[0029] The battery box, 1, is constructed with four inwardly tapered interior walls, 10 & 10′, 13 & 13′, respectively. A pair of internal vertical convex electrical terminals, 5 and 5′, typical “V” shaped, extend from the interior bottom of the box up to a short distance from the top of the front interior wall, 13. The terminals, 5 & 5′, are electrically connected to a pair of external cables, 8 & 8′, respectively. The external cables are connected internally to the terminals, 4 and 4′, respectively. A convex vertical guide groove, 3, is located off-center on the rear wall, 13′ of the box. The guide groove, 3, is placed off-center to match a vertical concave guide groove, 7, on the battery. This facilitates proper placement of the battery in the box. As seen, a battery having a pair of convex vertical electrically connected terminals, 6 & 6′, on its front face, 12, such that they align with the terminals, 5 & 5′ on the box, when the battery is vertically inserted into the box. This further aids in positively securing the battery in the box. The tops of the battery terminals, 19 and 19′, respectively, are non-conductive to insure that the battery is inserted with correct polarity. The exterior walls of the battery are tapered to conform to the interior walls of the box. The box has a latch, 14, which swings across its top for securing the battery, and is tied down by a non-corrosive rod, 17, and wing nut, 16. In addition, the battery has a slotted, 119, spring loaded strap handle, 15, for lifting the battery. Built-in springs, 30, are used which lift the strap handle for easy grasping when the latch is removed and exert pressure to hold the battery when the latch is in the locked position.

[0030]FIG. 1A, illustrates a pair of threaded removable charging terminals, 18 and 18′, as attached to the battery, 1.

[0031] In use, a box or plurality of boxes are mounted on the frame of a vehicle or engine mount. Said boxes are electrically connected to a vehicle or engine's electrical system, 200, as seen in FIG. 1.

[0032] As seen in FIG. 2, a plurality of electrically connected boxes, 25, 25′ and 25″, respectively, may be connected in series through connectors, 20 and 21 and 21′, respectively. FIG. 2A, illustrates, in detail, a series electrical connection between the boxes, with plugs 20, 21 and 21′, shown in contact. A schematic diagram of a plurality of series battery hookups is shown in FIG. 2B. Internal connections, 150 and 152 are shown. External connections, 151 and 151′ are shown.

[0033] As further seen in FIG. 3, a plurality of electrically connected boxes, 27, 27′ and 27″ respectively, connected in parallel through connectors, 28, and 29 and 29′ and 28′ and 29 and 29′, respectively. The positive and negative terminals are separated by an insulator, 101. As can be seen the end boxes contain internal connections, 160 and 161, and 166 and 167, respectively; whereas the internal box or boxes contains internal connection 162, 163, 164 and 165, respectively. FIG. 3A shows the detail of the electrical connection of boxes 27 and 27′. A schematic diagram of a plurality of parallel battery hookups is show in FIG. 3B. As can clearly be seen a set of internal electrical connections are provided, showing parallel connections, 170 and 170′, and 171 and 171′, respectively.

[0034] The boxes, 2, may be connected electrically through cables, 31 and 31′. This is seen in FIG. 4.

[0035] As in FIG. 5, the box, 50, may be opened through the front, with a front entry box cover, 52. A handle, 53, swings from the front of the battery to its top when the battery is inserted in the box. A slot, 159, locks the handle in place. A pair of guide rails on the battery, 158 and 158′, respectively, match a pair of guide grooves on the box, 157 and 157′, to facilitate insertion and removal.

[0036]FIG. 6, shows another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a terminal spring plate, 40 and 40′, is placed parallel to the terminals in the front of the box and a spring, 43, loaded pressure plate, parallel to a back plate, 42, places additional pressure on the battery. A non-conducting rivet, 45, holds the back plate in place. A latch, 100, assists in the removal of the battery.

[0037]FIG. 7, a cross section of FIG. 6. As the battery is inserted into the box, the springs, 43 and 43′, apply pressure, against the plates, 42 and 44, respectively, to securely hold the battery in place. A similar set of springs, 46 and 46′, are found in the terminals, 40.

[0038]FIG. 7A a detail of FIG. 7, showing the spring mechanism, 46 and 46′, behind the terminal plates.

[0039]FIG. 8 illustrates still another embodiment of the invention. Here, the battery, 91, has terminals, 96 and 96′ on its bottom. The weight of the battery enhances contact with terminals, 95 and 95′ on the box 90. A locking lever, 94, is shown. The spring loaded handle, 15, together with springs, 30 and 30′, are used for ease of grasping and insuring continuous terminal contact.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 8A, a plurality of springs, 191, are affixed between terminal plate, 192, and the inside of the battery box, 193, thereby enhancing the removal of the battery.

[0041]FIG. 9 shows cable, 71 and 71′, eminating from each end of the box, 72, and each connected to a junction box, 70 and 70′. In the case of multiple boxes, the cables typically eminate from the end boxes. FIG. 9A shows the connection from a junction box to a terminal. FIG. 11 shows an illustrated junction box, 60, connected to a plurality of cables, 61, 61′, 61″ and 61′″. FIG. 11A is a detail of a junction box, 60, showing a port, 63, and a positive cable from a battery, 62. FIG. 11B is a detail of a junction box, 60, showing a port, 66, and a negative cable from a battery, 64.

[0042]FIG. 10 illustrates a typical automotive electrical system showing the battery, 80, connected to junction boxes, 87 and 87′. An ignition switch, 82, is connected to junction box 87, a starter, 81 and the ignition coil, 86 and related distributor 85, junction box, 87′ is connected to the alternator, 83 and regulator, 84.

[0043]FIGS. 12A and 12B are cross-sections through FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, when the battery is inserted in the box, 49, a set of springs, 43 and 43, between the front back plate, 44, and the rear back plate, 42, apply pressure to hold the battery in place. The lever, 100 in FIGS. 12A and 12B, respectively, are affixed to the rear back plate, 42, and is pushed against the front back plate, 46, after the battery is inserted in the box, 49. The lever revolves around rivet, 97. Flipping the lever, 100, relieves the pressure on the battery and eases release of the battery. The plates are typically held in place by a rivet, 45. 

I claim: 1) A box, mounted on a vehicle or stationary frame for holding an automotive-type battery, comprising: a) a hollow box, of a non-conducting, non-corrosive material, open on top having the rear interior wall downwardly tapered and vertical exterior walls and a bottom wall, with two convex vertically V-shaped terminals on the interior front wall and a convex off-center vertical guide rail on the interior rear wall; b) a latch rotatably affixed at one end to the top of the front wall of the box and having a hole near the other end; c) a vertical non-conducting, non-corrosive, tie down rod and wing nut combination affixed to the rear exterior wall of the box, such that the hole in the latch aligns with the tie down rod; d) a pair of terminal leads extending from an exterior wall of the box and electrically connected to the V-shaped terminals; e) an automotive-type battery inserted into said hollow box at its top, having a downwardly tapered rear wall, vertical side exterior walls, a horizontal, top, complementary matching the taper of the hollow box and having two concave vertical V-shaped terminals such that they align with the V-shaped terminals on the box, in electrical contact with said terminals, and a concave off center vertical guide rail such that it aligns with the guide rail on the box; f) a carrying strap affixed to the side exterior walls of the battery, with a plurality of springs located and affixed between the strap and the top of the battery, such that the strap pops up when the latch is released to aid in carrying the battery and further, having slots near the ends of the strap, allowing the strap to move vertically within the slot; g) a means for removal of the battery from the box. 2) A box mounted on a vehicle or stationary frame for holding an automotive-type battery, comprising: a) a hollow box, of a non-conducting, non-corrosive material, open at the front having top, bottom, rear and side interior walls and vertical exterior walls and a bottom wall, with two convex vertical V-shaped terminals on the interior rear wall and a concave horizontal guide rail on the interior bottom wall; b) a front wall rotatably affixed to the bottom wall; c) a latch rotatably affixed at one end to the top of the front wall of the box and having a hole at the other end; d) a vertical non-conducting, non-corrosive tie down rod and wing nut combination affixed to the rear exterior wall of the box, such that the hole in the latch aligns with the tie down rod; e) a pair of terminal leads extending from an exterior wall of the box and electrically connected to the V-shaped terminals; f) an automotive-type battery inserted into said hollow box at its front, having two concave vertical V-shaped terminals such that they align with the V-shaped terminals on the box, in electrical contact with said terminals, and a convex horizontal guide rails such that it aligns with the guide rails on the box; g) a carrying strap rotatably affixed to the side exterior walls of the battery. 3) A box, mounted on a vehicle or stationary frame for holding an automotive-type battery, comprising: a) a hollow box, of a non-conducting, non-corrosive material, open on top having front, rear, and side exterior walls and an rear interior wall downwardly tapered and having a convex off-center vertical guide rail on said rear interior wall, and a bottom wall, with two convex horizontal V-shaped terminals on the interior bottom wall; b) a latch rotatably affixed at one end to the top of the front wall of the box and having a hole at the other end; c) a vertical non-conducting, non-corrosive tie down rod and wing nut combination affixed to the rear exterior wall of the box, such that the hole in the latch aligns with the tie down rod; d) a pair of terminal leads extending from an exterior wall of the box and electrically connected to the V-shaped terminals; e) an automotive-type battery inserted into said hollow box at its top having two concave horizontal V-shaped terminals such that they align with the V-shaped terminals on the box, in electrical contact with said terminals, and having a downwardly tapered rear wall, complementary matching the taper of the hollow box and having a concave off center vertical guide rail on its rear wall such that it aligns with the guide rail in the box; f) a carrying strap affixed to the side exterior walls of the battery, with a plurality of springs located and affixed between the strap and the top of the battery, such that the strap pops up when the latch is released to aid in carrying the battery and further, having slots near the ends of the strap, allowing the strap to move vertically within the slot; g) means to aid in removal of the battery from the box. 4) The box in claim 1 having a means for the removing of the battery, consisting of: a) a plurality of springs behind and affixed to each terminal and in front of and affixed to the interior front wall of the box; b) a plurality of springs behind and affixed to the guide rail and in front of and affixed to the interior rear wall of the box; c) a vertical L-shaped lever rotatably attached to the box, and perpendicular to the plane of the rear wall of the box, inserted into a vertical slot in the rear wall of the box such that the rotation of said lever will cause the guide rail to push the battery away from the rear interior wall, whereby facilitating removal of the battery. 5) The box in claim 3 having a means for the removing of the battery, consisting of: a) a plurality of springs between the bottom wall and the terminals. 6) A plurality of boxes as in claims 1 or 2 or 3 electrically wired in parallel, having a means of electrically connecting adjacent boxes. 7) A plurality of boxes as in claims 1 or 2 or 3 electrically wired in series, having a means of electrically connecting adjacent boxes. 8) The automotive-type battery in claim 1, such that the top of the two concave vertical V-shaped terminals are non-conducting, whereby the improper insertion of the battery into the box will not result in a short circuit. 9) The automotive-type battery in claim 1, having two removably terminals affixed to its top, used for charging. 